Itchy skin (pruritus) – what can help

Is itchy skin making you feel uncomfortable? Get the facts on causes and how to find relief.

Are there other symptoms?

What are the causes and who is at risk?

Self-care tips for itchy skin

When to see a doctor 

Diagnosing itchy skin

Treatments for itchy skin

Is your skin feeling itchy? Does it stop you going about life as normal, or get in the way of your sleep? Pruritus is the medical term for itchy skin, which can be caused by a whole range of skin reactions and conditions. Find out how to soothe your symptoms at home, and when to see a doctor.

Have you felt a tickly, uncomfortable sensation when you want to scratch your skin over and over, until the irritating feeling goes away?

Chances are you also know that rubbing and scratching it may provide some temporary relief, but often, it just makes things worse. This is what it can feel like to have itchy skin (pruritus).

It usually happens on just one part of your body, but you might get the urge to scratch yourself all over, depending on the cause of your itching.

Itchy skin isn’t usually serious and can often be treated at home with self-care, but sometimes you might need medicine from a doctor to manage it.

## Are there other symptoms?

Alongside itchy skin, you may also notice:

- dry or cracked skin
- bleeding
- redness and inflammation
- scratch marks
- broken skin with yellow or white fluid, or a crusty texture 
- a rash or hives
- bumps, spots, or blisters
- scaly or leathery patches.

The symptoms you get alongside itchy skin can help point to the underlying cause. So record any changes you notice and show a pharmacist or [a doctor](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/itching#when-to-see-a-doctor) if you’re worried about it, or if your symptoms don’t go away. 


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## What are the causes and who is at risk?

From chronic conditions to allergic reactions, there are many reasons why you might have itchy skin.

These include:

- __fungal skin infections__ – such as [thrush](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/oral-thrush-adults), [ringworm](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/ringworm), and [athlete’s foot](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/athletes-foot)
- __long-term skin conditions__ – like [eczema](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/eczema-atopic) and [psoriasis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/psoriasis) 
- __reactions to heat__ – such as heat rash ([prickly heat](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/prickly-heat)) and [sunburn](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/sunburn)
- __irritation and allergies__ – to food, insect bites, clothing, [pollen](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/hay-fever), cosmetics, or household products
- __parasites__ – such as [scabies](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/scabies), [head lice](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/head-lice), and [pubic lice](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/pubic-lice)
- __conditions that can affect the nervous system__ – like [shingles](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/shingles), [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes), and [multiple sclerosis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/multiple-sclerosis)
- __other conditions__ – such as liver and kidney disease, where itching can be a symptom, though this is not common.

There are also certain times in your life when you can be more prone to itchy skin:

- __during pregnancy__ – hormones may be the cause here, or simply the skin being stretched as your bump grows
- __during perimenopause (https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/perimenopause) and [menopause](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/menopause)__ – also common and due to lowering levels of estrogen. There’s also a condition called formication in menopause, which is a sensation of insects crawling under the skin, but it’s not as common
- __as you get older__ – because skin tends to dry out as you age.

## Self-care tips for itchy skin

You may be able to manage your itching and avoid further damage to the skin, or even make the itching go away completely, by treating it at home. 

Try:

- patting or tapping your skin, instead of scratching it
- using a cool towel, or ice wrapped in a cloth, on the itchy area
- taking a lukewarm bath or shower – avoid hot water completely
- steering clear of fabrics that might irritate your skin, such as wool and synthetics, avoiding tight clothing, and choosing materials such as loose cotton or silk
- wearing sunscreen to prevent damage to your skin
- using laundry powders and cosmetic products that are suitable for sensitive skin – avoid perfumed deodorants, soaps, and moisturizers 
- using hydrocortisone creams, or antihistamines, from a pharmacist
- regularly using a kind-to-skin emollient 
- keeping your nails short and smooth to prevent damage to the skin when you scratch it
- using a humidifier in your home – helpful if your symptoms are brought on by things that are drying to the skin, such as central heating.

## When to see a doctor 

Book an appointment with a doctor if your itchy skin:

- is affecting your daily life, or makes it hard to sleep
- doesn’t get better with self-care after 2 weeks, or keeps coming back
- is caused by a new rash, lump, or swelling that you're worried about
- is all over your body
- comes on suddenly without any obvious explanation
- is severe
- comes with other symptoms, such as a fever, night sweats, or weight loss.

## Diagnosing itchy skin

You’ll usually have a physical exam, where the doctor will check your skin for any tell-tale signs, like rashes, bumps, and scaly patches, and ask you about your medical history.

If it seems your itchy skin is being caused by a medical condition, they might refer you for some tests, such as:

- __allergy tests__ – patch tests can work out if there are certain substances that cause you to itch, such as certain foods, plants, or textiles 
- __a skin biopsy__ – for a closer look at the affected area of skin under a microscope. This is to see if a skin condition is the cause
- __blood tests__ – your doctor will be looking for conditions like anemia, which may cause itching
- __liver and kidney function tests__ – to check for liver or kidney disorders, as well as thyroid conditions like [hyperthyroidism](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/thyroid-over-active) that can cause itching
- __a chest X-ray__ – to show if you have enlarged lymph nodes, which can lead to itchy skin.

## Treatments for itchy skin

If [self-care measures](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/itching#selfcare-tips) haven’t helped, you might need prescription-strength medicines to manage your symptoms. What you’re offered will depend on the underlying cause,
but will likely come in the form of:

- __creams, lotions, or ointments__ – such as topical steroids or hydrocortisone creams
- __tablets__ – prescription-strength antihistamines, or a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

You may also be referred to a dermatologist, who can recommend specific treatments for your symptoms, such as ultraviolet light therapy.

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References

Amelia Glean

Jo Wheatley

Dr Tamer T Malak

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

 Is itchy skin making you feel uncomfortable? Get the facts on causes and how to find relief.
